Thompson leads USC to thrilling Outback Bowl win

Tuesday

Jan 1, 2013 at 8:45 PM

The Boiling Springs product comes off the bench to throw the game-winning TD with 11 seconds left in a 33-28 victory over Michigan.

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

TAMPA, Fla. — When Steve Spurrier arrived at South Carolina in 2005 he stressed the importance of changing the losing culture that surrounded the Gamecocks' football program.After a gut-wrenching, last-second Outback Bowl victory over the winningest program in college football history, he thinks his goal has finally been accomplished.Former Boiling Springs star Dylan Thompson came off the bench in the closing seconds and connected with Bruce Ellington down the middle of the field for a 32-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining as Carolina defeated Michigan 33-28 Tuesday afternoon.The win was USC's 11th of the season, matching last year's school-record performance.“Yeah, I think it's really good for us to win this way. To come from looking like it was all over with three minutes left to score on the last drive, we haven't done that. It was really good for us, really good for the team,” Spurrier said. “We haven't won one like that since I've been here in eight years, so hopefully that will sort of tell us that we can do that. It's possible, just hang in there.”Thompson, who led USC to a touchdown on his lone series of the first half, entered the game with 42 seconds remaining and Carolina trailing 28-27 at the Michigan 43-yard line.After a couple of quick passes, he hoisted the ball in Ellington's direction while being driven to the ground by a Michigan defender and wasn't sure if the ball was caught until he heard the crowd's reaction.“I didn't see him catch it. I threw it and I saw open area and Bruce running, so I figured there was a good chance of it getting caught,” Thompson said. “I took a pretty hard shot in the ribs. I was on the ground hurting a little bit, but I heard the crowd.”Thompson said the only other game-winning touchdown of his career came in a high school game when he was at Boiling Springs against a cross-town rival.“I've thrown one in high school versus Spartanburg, similar, but it was a little more time left. This is a little bigger stage, I guess,” he said.Before the game Spurrier said the plan was to play both Shaw and Thompson, with Shaw getting the majority of the snaps.Thompson was given one full series during the first half and came in sporadically throughout the game for a play or two when Shaw was banged up before ultimately finishing the final 42 seconds.Thompson finished the game 7-for-10 for 117 yards and two touchdowns, while Shaw was 18-for-26 for 224 yards and two scores.The ending was fitting after a wild back-and-forth affair that included four lead changes in the final 15:02.Carolina jumped out to a 21-10 first half lead thanks in large part to three big plays.The first one came on USC's opening drive as Shaw found Damiere Byrd for a 56-yard touchdown.Moments later Ace Sanders returned a punt 63 yards for his third career punt return for a touchdown.Early in the second quarter Thompson connected with Byrnes product Nick Jones for a 70-yard completion to set up a short touchdown pass to Sanders.The second half had its share of craziness as the Carolina sideline went from frustration to jubilation in a matter of seconds.With Michigan facing a fourth-and-4 from its own 37 early in the fourth quarter, coach Brady Hoke opted to attempt a fake punt.Floyd Simmons took the snap and raced to his left, but appeared to be tackled just short of the first-down marker.The chain crew pulled the sticks and there was visible space between the ball and the marker, but the official ruled a first down for the Wolverines. Spurrier asked for clarification but got none.“I asked one of those other refs, I said, ‘You know the ball did not touch the first down marker.' He said, ‘I know it didn't.' I said, ‘Well why'd you give it to him,' and he said, ‘I don't know,' ” Spurrier said.USC star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney made everything right moments later, though, destroying Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the backfield, separating him from his helmet while forcing and recovering a fumble.“It was a matter of time. I was saying, ‘Hang in there. We're going to win the game. I'm coming and I'm making a play,' ” Clowney said. “It changed a lot. It gave us good field position and we got what we wanted.”Clowney's clutch play gave USC the ball at the Michigan 31-yard line instead of the 41. On the next play, Shaw found Sanders for a 31-yard score, his third of the game, as Carolina grabbed a 27-22 lead.Sanders finished the game with nine catches for 92 yards and two receiving touchdowns in addition to his punt return for a score. He was named MVP.“It's just a real good feeling. I just want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to come out here and showcase my talent,” he said.

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